Oshada Fernando recalled as Sri Lanka announce squad for New Zealand Tests

Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the upcoming two-Test series at home against New Zealand and have recalled Oshada Fernando, who last played a Test back in March 2023, incidentally against New Zealand. 

Fernando, who averages 33 in Tests, was dropped from the squad following a lean patch in 2023 but a 202-run haul in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A in Kimberly has seen the 32-year-old earn a recall to the side. Fernando was named Player of the Match for his efforts in the said game that Sri Lanka A won by six wickets. 

Fernando takes the place of Nishan Madushka, who had a tour to forget in England, registering scores of 7, 13, 4 & 0. 

Barring Madushka, another individual who was part of the England Tests but has been axed for the New Zealand series is fast bowler Nisala Tharaka, who did not make a single appearance in the series. 

These two aforementioned changes aside, Sri Lanka have decided to retain the same squad, with the impressive Milan Rathnayake, who shone with bat and ball in England, keeping his spot in the squad.

The two-Test series will kick-off on September 18, with both the Tests being played at the Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka squad for New Zealand Tests: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake